What it is about
Argentina experienced a worrying 44% increase in reported antisemitic incidents in 2023, particularly following the October 7 Hamas terror onslaught in southern Israel. This spike was documented in a report issued Monday by DAIA, the country’s Jewish umbrella organization.
Why it matters
The findings emphasize the global rise in antisemitism that has followed the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Watchdogs across the United States, Germany, and other European nations have reported similar disturbing trends. The escalation underlines the persistent challenges that Jewish communities face worldwide, particularly during periods of intensified Middle East conflict.
By the numbers
According to the report unveiled by DAIA at the Buenos Aires City Legislature, 57% of all antisemitic incidents last year occurred in the three months immediately following the Hamas attack, which resulted in the tragic loss of approximately 1,200 lives and the captivity of 251 individuals.
Driving the news
DAIA’s findings revealed that the proportion of antisemitic incidents relating to Israel saw a significant increase. In 2022, 11% of such incidents connected back to Israel, but this figure spiked to 40% in 2023. The report also indicated a rise in in-person antisemitic incidents. Prior to October 7, 72 in-person incidents were recorded, and this number ballooned to 150 in the subsequent three months, despite most incidents still occurring online.
Between the lines
Among the documented incidents, there were distressing examples of hate. The word “Hamas” and a crossed-out Star of David were scrawled on a student’s desk. Another incident involved a sign reading, “Zionists out of Palestine. This did not start on 7/10. Hitler fell short,” hung on a building. Additionally, a local restaurant drew backlash for including an “Anne Frank” hamburger and “Adolf” fries on its menu, names which were later changed after criticism from the Jewish community.
What they’re saying
Marisa Braylan, the author of the report and Director of DAIA’s Center for Social Studies, reflected on the changes faced by Argentine Jews since October 7. “The attack did not generate empathy towards the victims. There was silence, there were justifications and in the worst cases, admiration,” she stated. “On October 7, a latent antisemitism was dusted off.”
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This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.